Athletic heart syndrome

Athletic heart syndrome (pronounced: ath-let-ic heart syn-drome) is a condition typically seen in sports medicine that is characterized by several structural and functional changes in the heart that occur as a result of rigorous and prolonged physical training.

Etymology

The term "Athletic heart syndrome" is derived from the English words "Athletic", which refers to physical sports, activities or games, and "Heart syndrome", which refers to a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, disorder, or condition related to the heart.

Definition

Athletic heart syndrome is a non-pathological condition commonly seen in athletes. It is characterized by a slower resting heart rate (bradycardia) and enlargement of the heart, particularly the left ventricle. These changes are physiological responses to regular and intensive exercise, and are reversible when the athlete reduces or ceases training.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of athletic heart syndrome include bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, and cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart. These symptoms are typically benign and should not cause concern unless they are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of athletic heart syndrome is typically made through a combination of physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram. These tests can help to distinguish athletic heart syndrome from other, more serious conditions that can also cause an enlarged heart and slow heart rate, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Treatment

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for athletic heart syndrome. The changes in the heart are a normal response to intensive physical training and will typically reverse once the athlete reduces or stops training. However, if the athlete experiences symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, they should seek medical attention as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

Related Terms

• Bradycardia
• Cardiomegaly
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Athletic heart syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Athletic heart syndrome

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